Breaking the cycle of recidivism

The goal of Philemon House is to disciple people who have been touched by incarceration. 

Philemon House is a Christ centered ministry to help the current and formerly incarcerated meet Christ and live a life pleasing unto Him. Our discipleship takes place in jails/prisons to help men learn the Bible through in-person and correspondence courses. In addition to our prison ministry, we have a Discipleship House where young men (18-21 years old) live a family life with our Executive Director and his wife. At Philemon House our residents receive training and life experience to develop their: Spiritual, Personal (behavioral), Financial, Educational, and Occupational character.

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The average cost of recidivism per person is $151,662 and over 5 years is over 13 billion.*
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The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice releases more than 2,400 youth back into the community each year**
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Of those released, 86% are re-arrested within 3 years**
Data supporting the need for Philemon House is clear according to the *SPAC report from the summer of 2018 and the Illinois Criminal Justice Authority data (Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice '05-'07).
**https://chiyouthjustice.wordpress.com/2012/09/04/new-report-about-juvenile-recidivism-in-illinois/

Our Ministries

Incarcerated Adults

Philemon House and its volunteers help those incarcerated adults learn about the plan God has for their lives which will give them hope and a future in Christ.

Adult Correspondence Program

Through mailed correspondence our volunteers encourage incarcerated men to grow in their knowledge of the Bible through self-guided Bible studies.

Youth Prison

Our ministering to incarcerated youth brings hope and changes worldviews through the Word of God and the salvation of Jesus Christ.

Discipleship House

We provide a Christ-centered residential living environment to help young men identify their purpose, re-orient their moral compass, and embrace their part in God’s plan.

Testimonials

Get Involved

Become a volunteer

Volunteers are critical to the success of Philemon House. Volunteers mentor and support both our in-prison and in-house ministries.

Make a donation

Financial donors provide the necessary funding for us to fulfill our mission. We are exceedingly grateful for our donors and always looking for others so the work can continue and expand.

Pray with us

Everything we do is centered in Christ and covered in prayer. We'd love you to join us in prayer that our actions are always for His glory.